Download Assistance for market research and market planning

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AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Assistance for
market research and
market planning
by Marketing Unit
Market Development and Food Branch
A
re you considering moving your business into new products and/or
new markets? Some research work prior to implementation may
ease the process, and result in increased returns. Assistance in market
planning is available through collaboration with the Ministry of
Agriculture’s Agri-Business Development Branch and Market
Development and Food Branch.
Using a marketing plan as an integral part of your business plan is one
way to reduce business risks. Market research can identify what
consumers are looking for, the specific attributes of that product and
the price that consumers are willing to pay. This market information
can identify whether or not a reasonable rate of return can be achieved
prior to incurring production costs – essential information for your
business.
As well, searches can be conducted to determine current market
condition for your product. For example, if a business were considering
a specific product like sour cherries or pea flour, a search can be done on
existing products and competitors, both locally and globally. Or, the
search could be more general to identify potential uses and markets for
a particular product. Other tools to assist in market planning include
access to data on consumer trends, including types of products,
packaging and labelling.
The Ministry of Agriculture also collaborates with Saskatchewan Trade
and Export Partnership (STEP), which has information on distributors,
wholesalers and agents for certain export markets. And, if a particular
country is targeted, information may be provided on the socioeconomic conditions, as well as any country specific trade barriers. In
partnership with STEP, businesses also have access to the Agri-Value
Marketing Internship Program. This program provides co-funding to
hire university graduates to develop and/or implement a marketing
plan. Check out STEP’s website at www.sasktrade.sk.ca for information.
Saskatchewan agri-businesses interested in exploring the marketing
services available are encouraged to contact the Market Development
and Food Branch or the Agri-Business Development Specialist in their
region.
For more information
• Contact the Market Development and Food Branch, located at #302,
3085 Albert Street, Regina SK S4S 0B1; phone (306) 787-5966; e-mail
[email protected]; or check out our website at www.
agriculture.gov.sk.ca; or
• Contact the Agri-Business Development Branch, located at
#125, 3085 Albert Street, Regina SK S4S 0B1; phone (306) 787-8524;
e-mail [email protected]; or check out our website at
www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/RegionalDevelopmentTeams.
CROP DEVELOPMENT
CROP OPPORTUNITY AND SCOTT RESEARCH UPDATE
by Sherrilyn Phelps
Crop Development Specialist
Crop Development Branch
quality canola. Stu Brandt, Cropping Management Agronomist (AAFC),
will discuss the latest research information and the potential for
expanded canola production in western Canada.
T
As part of the canola focus, Penny Pearse, Provincial Specialist, Plant
Disease with Saskatchewan Agriculture will discuss disease threats to
canola, including clubroot. Pearse will also provide current information
on other disease issues that may be of concern in northwestern
Saskatchewan in 2008.
he Western Applied Research Corporation (WARC) and Agriculture
and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) at Scott, Saskatchewan are partnering
with Saskatchewan Agriculture on February 28, 2008 to bring the Crop
Opportunity and Scott Research Update to Northwest Saskatchewan.
This event will be held in North Battleford and will provide
opportunities for agronomists, industry representatives, producers, and
researchers to discuss the latest information on crop management, weed
control, and marketing.
Saskatchewan is known not only for growing canola, but for its
production of pulses as well. Dr. Bert Vandenberg with the Crop
Development Centre will discuss the potential for low-tannin fababeans
as the next new pulse crop for Saskatchewan.
New advances in weed control are always a hot topic. Eric Johnson,
Weed Biologist (AAFC), will present research results on new herbicides
and how the new chemistries work. Controlling emerging weed
problems such as horsetail, field violet, and wild buckwheat will also be
discussed.
Current research and the latest production information is a focus of this
event. However, marketing is also key for producers. Consequently,
Merv Berscheid with CGF Brokerage will discuss where the crop markets
are at and what we can expect in the near future.
The Crop Opportunity and Scott Research Update event will begin with
registration at 8:30 a.m. at the Gold Ridge Centre in North Battleford.
The cost for the all day event is $20, which includes lunch. To preregister, please call the North Battleford Saskatchewan Agriculture
Regional Office at 306-446-7964.
With higher canola prices, there is a lot of interest in maximizing yields
and expanding acres. Doug Moisey, Agronomy Specialist with the
Canola Council of Canada, will discuss the latest information on good
establishment, optimizing fertility, managing pests, and ensuring good
FEBRUARY 2008
Feb #1 Patrick 2008Agriview.indd13 13
FOR MORE INFORMATION
• Contact Sherrilyn Phelps, Crop Development Specialist,
Saskatchewan Agriculture, North Battleford at 306-446-7475.
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1/17/2008 8:53:56 AM